MOVEMENT AND JOINT OF A COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH A SPRING OR COMPRISING CLAMPING MECHANISM

Abstract

MOVEMENT AND ARTICULATION OF A COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH A COMPRESSED SPRING OR CLAMPING MECHANISM. Applicators for grasping and applying small items, such as fibers and eyelashes, are disclosed. The applicators passively hold the items, and a user actuates the applicator to release them. One applicator has a compression spring that forces a disc against a disc retainer to passively hold the items, and a button is pressed to separate the disc from the disc retainer to release the items. Another applicator has an expansion spring that passively holds items between the coils of the spring, and a button is pressed to separate the coils of the spring to release the items. Figure for abstract: 1B

Description

Title of the invention: MOVEMENT AND ARTICULATION OF A COSMETIC APPLICATOR WITH A COMPRESSED SPRING OR CLAMPING MECHANISM SUMMARY

[0001] Systems, devices and methods which take advantage of an efficient gesture and articulation of the applicator and use compression clamping forces provided by a spring, a spring-return clamping disc, a mechanical energy storage assembly, etc., to apply false eyelashes, individual eyelashes, groups of eyelashes, bundles of eyelashes, tufts of fibers or the like.

[0002] Systems, devices, and methods for ergonomic applicators that are reconfigurable and allow for fine, precise, and reproducible motor movements to hold, release, manipulate, and position delicate items such as false eyelashes or the like. In a first configuration, the applicators hold the objects passively, without applying manual pressure, and release the objects upon application of manual pressure in the second configuration.

[0003] In one embodiment, the applicators offer an ergonomic applicator shape with ergonomic features conducive to facilitating the application of cosmetic fibers and eyelash configurations on the eye and around the eye and eyebrow areas, for example.

[0004] In one embodiment, the application of fibers and eyelashes uses an adhesive, a magnetic element, a magnetic cosmetic formulation, an adhesive mascara (adhesive with color), or the like.

[0005] In one embodiment, the applicators provide a first locking and holding configuration and a second open or unlocked configuration to first engage the eyelashes, held in interstitial spaces between clamping discs, spring coils or retaining elements, and release the false eyelashes when they are in position to apply them to natural eyelashes.

[0006] The applicators include a specialized tip at the end of the spring-loaded applicator configured to complete or fix gestures for handling and placing partial or full false eyelashes, or individual fibers.

[0007] The applicators include mechanical or electromechanical components for twisting or rotating the spring mechanically (by a hand assembly or motor) or electrically (electric motor) during application.

[0008] In one embodiment, the applicators include a (round) disc having an asymmetrical geometry (for example, a curved side which, from above, would resemble to a crescent moon) for an additional functionality. In one embodiment, the symmetrical shape can rotate in any direction around an axis of rotation.

[0009] In one embodiment, the applicators are configured to allow a user to extend or retract the applicator tip for a range of gesture options.

[0010] In one embodiment, the applicators are configured to allow a user to position the applicator tip orbitally or angularly for a range of applications.

[0011] In one embodiment, the applicators include contact surfaces (spring or discs) with a coating to repel the formulation, adhesives, etc., and also to maintain or slightly modify the surface properties inherent in the spring alloy, such as the self-adhesive properties of hydrophobia ("Lotus Effect"), slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces ("SLIPS" for "slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces"), oxidized surfaces, surfactants, films, hydrophobic / oleophobic, hydrophilic / oleophilic.

[0012] In one embodiment, the applicators include a gripping function at one end (spring or discs) and a clamping function at the other end. Gripping the false eyelashes helps the user position them, and then a side / clamping function would press these eyelashes into an adhesive glue or mascara, thus finalizing the appearance and placement.

[0013] In one embodiment, the applicators are configured to easily grasp / retrieve fibers, manipulate them into the best application position and apply them to the eyelashes (with or without adhesive).

[0014] In one embodiment, during operation, the eyelash is “locked” onto the discs or the spring when the button is released in the first configuration, allowing for easy and smooth positioning, and the eyelashes are released when the button is pressed in the second configuration.

[0015] In one embodiment, the applicators include materials or surface coatings that are cleanable, washable, disinfectable, etc. The disc surfaces, for example, are made of plastics that resist the stickiness of the formulations and are also made of antimicrobial or antibacterial materials, for example.

[0016] In one embodiment, the applicator components are made of plastic (e.g., PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), or similar), other suitable polymers, durable materials, additively manufactured materials, metals common to cosmetic packaging, or similar materials. In one embodiment, the springs are typically made of a material of metal spring, stainless steel, plastic, high-density polymers, pivot or tension part or made from durable / renewable materials.

[0017] In one embodiment, the applicators are designed to be durable and reusable across numerous applications. The applicators enhance the user's dexterity and ability to place very fine and complex fibers and shapes (eyelashes) on / over natural eyelashes and around the eye area. In one embodiment, the applicators allow the user to passively hold the eyelashes (the eyelashes are grasped by a mechanism) for placement on the eye. In another embodiment, the applicators function to hold the fibers and eyelashes without pressure being applied by the user. In yet another embodiment, the applicators are operational for manipulating both full and partial eyelashes and have multiple functions on the platform.

[0018] The purpose of this summary is to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are described in greater detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor should it be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0019] The foregoing aspects and many related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] [Fig.1A] Fig.1A is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an applicator;

[0021] [Fig.1B] The [Fig.1B] is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the applicator of the [Fig.1A];

[0022] [Fig.lC] The [Fig.lC] is a schematic illustration of the inside of the applicator of the [Fig.lA];

[0023] [Fig.2A] The [Fig.2A] is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an applicator;

[0024] [Fig.2B] The [Fig.2B] is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the applicator of the [Fig.2A];

[0025] [Fig.2C] The [Fig.2C] is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the applicator of the [Fig.2A];

[0026] [Fig.3A] The [Fig.3A] is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a fiber gripper comprising an upper disc and a lower disc;

[0027] [Fig.3B] The [Fig.3B] is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a fiber gripper comprising an upper disc and a lower disc;

[0028] [Fig. 3C] Fig. 3C is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a fiber gripper comprising an upper disc and a lower disc;

[0029] [Fig.4A] The [Fig.4A] is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an applicator;

[0030] [Fig.4B] The [Fig.4B] is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the applicator of the [Fig.4A];

[0031] [Fig.4C] [Fig.4C] is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the applicator of [Fig.4A]; and

[0032] [Fig.4D] The [Fig.4D] is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of an applicator similar to the applicator of the [Fig.4A]. Detailed description

[0033] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to applicators that take advantage of an efficient applicator gesture and articulation and employ compression clamping forces provided by a spring, a spring-return clamping disc, a mechanical energy storage assembly, etc., to apply individual false eyelashes, eyelash clusters, eyelash bundles, fiber tufts, or the like.

[0034] In one embodiment, the applicators include components such as a spring or spring-return grippers configured to apply a compressive clamping force to retain or release complete or partial false eyelashes, individual eyelashes, bundles of eyelashes, tufts of fibers, etc., and to apply them to the natural eyelashes or eyelids.

[0035] Figures IA, IB, and IC illustrate an embodiment of an applicator 100. The applicator 100 comprises a housing 102 made up of two halves joined together. The housing 102 is generally cylindrical with rounded ends. One end of the housing 102 is connected to a shaft housing 106. The other end of the housing 104 is connected to a pair of tweezers 104. The distal end of the shaft housing 106 includes a lash retainer 108, described in more detail below.

[0036] With reference to [Fig.1B], the components of the applicator 100 are shown individually to better describe each component.

[0037] In one embodiment, the tweezers 104 include plastic or metal arms connected together to create a spring action that requires pressure to close the arms, and the arms are normally open in the absence of pressure. In one embodiment, the connection of the tweezers 104 to the housing 102 is made via a button 142 connected to a short stem piece 140, which in turn is connected to the proximal ends of the two arms of the tweezers 104. The short stem piece 104 fits into a corresponding hole 148 at the end of the housing 102. The sides of the button 142 include two opposing straight edges. Each of the straight edges butts with side of a straight block 144 on each half of the housing 102, thus preventing rotation of the tweezers 102. When the two halves of the housing 102 are joined, the tweezers 102 are locked in the end of the housing 102 in a way that prevents rotation.

[0038] In one embodiment, the housing 102 is generally hollow to allow the placement of a release button 110 (which is designated as actuator 110), a cam 126, and a spring 124. The release button 110 includes a portion having a touch surface that protrudes from the housing 102, as illustrated in [Fig. 1A], which allows the user to open the eyelash retainer 108 by actuation. The housing 102 is cut out to allow the release button to protrude from the housing 102. The release button 110 includes a pivot 128 at one end of the release button 110 to allow rotational movement. The pivot 128 includes two pins which fit into a respective hole on each of the two halves of the housing 102. The release button 110 includes a bump 150 which works by stopping the rotation of the button 110 outwards from the housing 102.The bump 150 strikes the inside of the housing 102 to prevent the release button 110 from tilting excessively outside the housing 102.

[0039] In one embodiment, the release button 110 includes a rotary-to-linear motion converter that converts a rotary motion of the release button 110 into a linear motion of a shaft 112 to open and close the eyelash retainer 108. In one embodiment, the rotary-to-linear motion converter includes the release button having a hook 132 that is eccentrically positioned distally with respect to the pivot 128. The hook 132 includes a concave flat surface that interfaces with a corresponding rounded surface of a cam 126. The cam 126 is generally barrel-shaped and positioned laterally within the hook 132, such that the axis of rotation of the cam 126 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivot 128. The cam 126 has a flat surface on its upper surface facing the shaft 112.The cam 126 can rotate in the hook 132 when the release button 110 is pressed, thus converting the rotation of the release button 110 into linear movement of the shaft 112.

[0040] In one embodiment, the cam 126 has an opening 134 which receives the proximal end of the shaft 112. The shaft 112 has a pin 116 on the proximal end which fits into the opening 134 located in the cam 126.

[0041] In one embodiment, the shaft 112 is an elongated rod, the proximal end of which is inserted into the cam 126, and the opposite distal end having a disc 114 of a pair which includes the eyelash retaining device 108. The disc 114 is actuated by the release button 110 to retract into a second confi- configuration from the first closed configuration.

[0042] Non-limiting examples of geometric shapes of disks include whole or partial disks, discoid geometric shapes, annular disks, flattened shapes, flattened ellipsoids, flattened spheres, symmetrical and asymmetrical geometric shapes, regular and irregular geometric shapes, or similar.

[0043] In one embodiment, the shaft 112 resides within a shaft housing 106. The shaft housing 106 comprises a hollow tube 120. The distal end of the hollow tube 120 is connected to the disc retainer 118, which, together with the disc 114, constitutes the eyelash retainer 108. The disc retainer 118 is stationary, since it is not actuated by the release button 110. The upper disc 114 and the lower disc retainer 118 cooperate to allow the gripping of fibers, such as false eyelashes, between the lower side of the upper disc 114 and the upper side of the lower disc retainer 118. The disc 114 and the disc retainer 118 come in various shapes, including symmetrical ones, such as circular, and asymmetrical ones. (as shown), gripping surfaces are also available in various forms, as described further below.

[0044] In one embodiment, the proximal end of the shaft housing 106 is configured to attach to one end of the housing 102. In one configuration, the proximal end of the shaft housing 106 includes a lip and groove construction for securing the shaft housing 106 to the housing 102. The lip and groove configuration includes the formation or otherwise the provision of a lip 122 in the form of a ring on the proximal end of the shaft housing 106, where immediately above and below the lip 122, there are two circular grooves 136, 138 having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the lip 122. Conversely, the end of the housing 102 is configured with a groove 146 and two annular lips that accommodate the end of the shaft housing 106.

[0045] In one embodiment, the housing 102 further includes a spring 124 which causes the upper disc 114 to press against the lower disc retainer 118 when the release button 110 is not actuated, which is the first closed or gripped configuration of the retainer 108. The proximal side of the shaft 112 is clamped with the center of the spring 124. The spring 114 is a helical compression spring 124 which shortens as a load is placed to counterbalance the spring 124.

[0046] In one embodiment, the release button 110 acts as a lever when pressed, which rotates the hook 132 upwards. As the hook 132 moves upwards, the cam 126 also moves upwards while rotating simultaneously, thus converting the rotational movement of the release button into a linear movement of the shaft 112. The same rotational movement compresses the spring 124, thus pushing the shaft 112 upwards, causing the upper disc 114 to separate from the lower disc retainer 118 towards the second open configuration to release the material that is gripped between them.

[0047] The distal upper end of the spring 124 is inserted into the groove 128 at the proximal end of the shaft housing 106 to secure the upper end of the spring 124 in a stationary position, and the lower end of the spring 124 rests against the flat surface at the top of the cam 126 and can move with the cam. The distal end of the spring 124 is fixed or stationary, while the proximal end of the spring 124 moves due to the movement of the cam 126 and the release button 110.

[0048] Referring to [Fig. 1C], the assembled applicator 100 is shown with one half of the housing 102 removed. Specifically, the upper end of the spring 124 is secured against the housing 102, and the lower end of the spring 124 pushes the cam 126 downwards. In turn, the cam 126 pushes downwards against the hook 132, which, due to the eccentric position of the hook 132 relative to the pivot of the release button 110, acts as a lever to rotate the release button 110 outwards, away from the housing 102. The release button 110 is held in place by the bump 150 striking the housing 102.

[0049] When the release button 110 is pressed, the release button 110 together with the hook 132 rotates around the pivot, and the cam 126 rotates within the hook 132 while being moved upwards.

[0050] Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate an embodiment of an applicator 200. The applicator 200 includes a hollow shaft housing 206. The shaft housing 206 is generally cylindrical in shape. The distal end of the shaft housing 206 has a lash retainer 208. The lash retainer 208 is configured in the same manner as the lash retainer 108, comprising an upper disc that is actuated to separate from the lower disc retainer element, thereby releasing the fibers trapped between them.

[0051] The applicator 200 includes a plunger 210 (the actuator 210) that actuates the eyelash retainer 208 to open to the second configuration from the first closed configuration. The applicator 200 includes a handle 202 for holding the applicator to allow the plunger 210 to be pressed. The handle 202 includes a circular grip that surrounds the proximal end of the shaft housing 206.

[0052] With reference to [Fig. 2B], the components of the applicator 200 are shown individually dually to better describe each component.

[0053] A linearly movable shaft 212 resides within the shaft housing 206. The shaft 212 comprises an elongated shaft, the proximal end of which is connected to the plunger 210, and the opposite distal end having a disc 214 of a pair comprising the eyelash retainer device 208. The disc 214 is actuated to move up into the second configuration from the first closed configuration.

[0054] The shaft housing 206 includes a hollow tube 220. The distal end of the hollow tube 220 is connected to the disc retainer 218, which, together with the disc 214, constitutes the eyelash retainer 208. The disc retainer 218 is stationary, as the disc retainer 118 is not actuated by the plunger 210. The upper disc 214 and the lower disc retainer 218 cooperate to allow the gripping of fibers, such as false eyelashes, between the lower side of the upper disc 214 and the upper side of the lower disc retainer 218. The disc 214 and the disc retainer 218 are available in various shapes, including symmetrical, such as circular (as shown), and asymmetrical. The gripping surfaces are also available in various shapes, as described further below.

[0055] The proximal end of the shaft housing 206 is connected to the handle 202 to facilitate operation of the plunger 210. The handle 202 is provided in various shapes, including circular. Generally, when the plunger 210 is operated, the thumb rests on the end of the plunger 210, while the index and middle fingers are placed against the distal side of the handle 202 and on opposite sides of the shaft housing 206.

[0056] The plunger 210 includes a hollow tube 232 which is attached to the proximal end of the shaft 212, and an enlarged surface, such as a button 234, used to push in the plunger 206.

[0057] The applicator 200 includes a spring 224, that is to say a helical compression spring 224 which proximally stresses the plunger 210 and, consequently, the shaft 206 is similarly proximally stressed, pressing the upper disc 214 against the lower disc retainer 218 when the plunger 104 is not pushed in the first configuration.

[0058] With reference to [Fig. 2C], a cross-sectional view of the assembled applicator 200 is shown. Specifically, the spring 224 is positioned coaxially with the shaft 212 within a cavity 230 formed on the inner circumference of the shaft housing 206 towards the proximal end of the shaft housing 206. The distal end of the spring 224 is held stationary by pressing against a lip at the distal end of the cavity 230. The spring 224 is positioned coaxially with the shaft 208, such that the shaft 208 passes through the center of the spring 224. The proximal end of the spring 224 The plunger 210 presses against one end of the tube 232 of the plunger 210, which is attached to the proximal end of the shaft, and the spring 224 forces the upper disc 214 into contact with the lower disc retainer 218 without pressing on the plunger. By pushing the plunger 210 against the spring 224, the upper disc 214 is actuated to separate from the lower disc retainer 218 in the second configuration, thus releasing the fibers trapped between them.

[0059] Figure 3A is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a lashear retention device used for the lashear retention devices 108 and 208 of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The lashear retention device 108, 208 comprises an upper disc 114, 214 and a lower disc retention element 118, 218. The lower disc retention element 118, 218 is integrally formed with the shaft housing 106, 206, or alternatively, the lower disc retention element is connected above the shaft housing. The lower disc retention element 118, 218 has an opening that allows the shaft 112, 212 connected to the upper disc 114, 214 to pass through it. The upper disc 114, 214 is formed as a unit with the shaft 112, 212 or alternatively the upper disc is connected to the shaft.

[0060] Fig. 3A illustrates the lower surface of the upper disc 114, 214, which is a flat plane 302 orthogonal to the shaft 112, 212. The lower disc retaining element 118, 218 is "hollowed out" with a concave surface facing the lower surface of the upper disc 114, 214. The hollowed surface has a flat surface 304 around its periphery, the flat peripheral surface 304 of the lower disc retaining element 118, 218 facing and in contact with the lower flat surface 302 of the upper disc 114, 214.

[0061] The upper disc 114, 214 and the lower disc retaining element 118, 218 of [Fig.3A] have a symmetrical shape with respect to the central axis, such as a circular shape or an asymmetrical shape, such as a semi-circular or crescent shape.

[0062] Figure 3B is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a shaft retainer used for the shaft retainers 108 and 208 of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2. The shaft retainer 108, 208 comprises an upper disc 114, 214 and a lower disc retainer 118, 218. The lower disc retainer 118, 218 is integrally formed with the shaft housing 106, 206, or alternatively, the lower disc retainer 118, 218 is connected above the shaft housing. The lower disc retainer 118, 218 has an opening that allows the shaft 112, 212 connected to the upper disc 114, 214 to pass through it. The upper disc 114, 214 is formed as a unit with the shaft 112, 212 or alternatively the upper disc is connected to the shaft.

[0063] Figure 3B illustrates the lower surface of the upper disk 114, 214, which has a recessed lower surface. The lower surface has a recessed flat surface 306 around the The area immediately adjacent to the shaft 112, 212. The lower surface has an internally angled lateral surface 308 extending from the outermost radial edge of the flat surface 306 to the outermost lower edge of the upper disc 114, 214. The angled lateral surface 308 is considered to slope upward from the outermost periphery of the upper disc or downward in the outward radial direction. The angled lateral surface 308 is an inwardly facing surface. The lower disc retaining element 118, 218 is "hollowed out" with a concave surface facing the lower surface of the upper disc 114, 214. The hollowed-out surface has a bent flat surface 310 around the periphery of the lower disc retaining element 118, 218, where the angle of the peripheral flat surface 310 of the lower disc retaining element 118, 218 is the same angle as the bent lateral surface 308 of the upper disc 114, 214.The flat peripheral surface 310 is an outwardly facing surface, so that the outwardly facing angled flat surface 310 of the lower disc retaining element 118,218 comes into contact with the inwardly facing angled lateral surface 308 of the upper disc 114,214.

[0064] The upper disc 114, 214 and the lower disc retaining element 118, 218 of [Fig.3B] have a symmetrical shape with respect to the central axis, such as a circular shape or an asymmetrical shape, such as a semi-circular or crescent shape.

[0065] Figure 3C is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a lashear retaining device used for the lashear retaining device 108 and 208 of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The lashear retaining device 108, 208 comprises an upper disc 114, 214 and a lower disc retaining element 118, 218. The lower disc retaining element 118, 218 is formed integrally with the shaft housing 106, 206, or alternatively, the lower disc retaining element 118, 218 is connected above the shaft housing 106, 206. The lower disc retaining element 118, 218 has an opening or hole in the center that allows the shaft 112, 212 connected to the upper disc 114, 214 to pass through it. The upper disc 114, 214 is formed as a unit with the shaft 112, 212 or alternatively the upper disc 114, 214 is connected to the shaft.

[0066] Figure 3C illustrates that the lower surface of the upper disc 114, 214 comprises a flat, planar lower surface 312 surrounding the area immediately adjacent to the shaft 112, 212. The lower surface 312 has an outwardly facing inclined lateral surface 314 extending from the outermost radial edge of the flat surface 314 to the outermost lower edge of the upper disc 114, 214. The inclined lateral surface 314 is considered to be inclined downward from the outermost periphery of the upper disc 114, 214 or upward in the outward radial direction. The lower disc retaining element 118, 218 is "recessed" with a concave surface facing the lower surface of the upper disc 114, 214. The recessed surface has a flat angled surface 316 around the periphery of the lower disc retainer 118, 218, where the angle of the flat peripheral surface 316 of the lower disc retainer 118, 218 is the same angle as the angled lateral surface 314 of the upper disc 114, 214. The flat peripheral surface 316 faces inwards, so that the angled flat surface 316 facing inwards of the lower disc retainer 118, 218 comes into contact with the angled lateral surface 314 facing outwards of the upper disc 114, 214.

[0067] The upper disc 114, 214 and the lower disc retaining element 118, 218 of [Fig.3C] have a symmetrical shape with respect to the central axis, such as a circular shape or an asymmetrical shape, such as a semi-circular or crescent shape.

[0068] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate an embodiment of an applicator 400. The applicator 400 includes a housing 402, which is composed of two halves joined together. The housing 402 forms a curved or crescent-shaped handle for holding the applicator 400, and a shaft housing 406 is fixed at an angle to the housing 402. In this embodiment, the applicator 400 includes a spring 424 at the distal end of the shaft housing, the coils of the spring 424 being used to hold articles between the coils. The housing 402 includes a button 410 (the actuator 410) which is configured to stretch the coils of the spring 424 in order to release items of the spring 424. In this embodiment, there is a first configuration where the coils of the spring are in contact with each other without any pressure on the button 410, and a second configuration where the coils of the spring are separated by applying pressure to the button 410.

[0069] With reference to [Fig.4B], the components of the applicator 200 are shown individually to better describe each component.

[0070] A linearly movable shaft 412 resides within the shaft housing 406. The shaft 412 has an elongated rod 422. A proximal end of the shaft 412 includes a rounded or hemispherical cap 416, and the distal end of the shaft 412 has a spring seat 414, which secures the distal end of the spring 424 to the distal end of the shaft 412. The spring 424 is a helical expansion spring, and the spring seat 414 is a groove around the periphery of the shaft 412 in which a coil of the spring 424 sits.

[0071] The shaft housing 406 is illustrated as a continuation of the housing 402 and is formed of two halves. However, the shaft housing 406 has an inner bore diameter 404 slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 412, which allows the shaft 412 to move linearly within the shaft housing 406.

[0072] The distal end of the shaft housing 406 has a second spring seat 416 to which the proximal end of the spring 424 is attached. The spring seat 416 is a groove around the periphery of the shaft housing 406 in which a coil of the spring 424 sits. The spring 424 is a helical expansion spring that expands under a tensile load. When the spring is not under tension, the coils of the spring come into contact with each other, and this configuration is used to hold articles between the coils.

[0073] In one embodiment, the applicator 400 includes a ring 418 at the distal end of the shaft 412. The ring 418 includes teeth, bristles or claws that allow the user to retouch and manipulate the false eyelashes that have been applied.

[0074] With reference to [Fig. 4C], a cross-sectional illustration of the applicator 400 shows the configuration of the shaft 412 and the button 410 that actuates the spring 424. [Fig. 4C] shows the unstressed state of the spring 424 in the first configuration where the coils are pressed against each other. In this unstressed state, the cap 416 at the proximal end of the shaft 416 touches or is very close to a cam surface 432 on one end of the button 410. The button 410 is prevented from moving out of the housing 402 by a bump 450 formed at the end of the button 410. The bump 450 strikes the inside of the housing 402, thus preventing the button 410 from rotating out of the housing 402.

[0075] The button 410 is configured as a lever that includes a pivot 428 located distally at an end opposite the cam surface 432. The cam surface 432 is designed to apply a force against the shaft 416 with a force component that displaces the shaft linearly and distally. When pressed, the button 410 rotates about the pivot 428, and the cam surface 432 contacts the rounded end cap 416 at the proximal end of the shaft 412 at an angle. The contact angle between the cam surface 432 and the rounded end cap 416 is eccentric with respect to the axis of the shaft 412. Thus, the cam imparts a horizontal force component and a vertical force component as the rounded end 416 slides along the cam surface. With the shaft 412 secured within the shaft housing 406, it will resist the horizontal force component and move linearly due to the vertical force component.Therefore, the rotary motion of lever 410 is converted into linear motion of shaft 412. Shaft 412 is driven distally. Spring 424, whose proximal end is attached to the distal end of shaft housing 406, and whose distal end is attached to the distal end of shaft 412, will expand to the second configuration to separate the spring coils and release the items held between the coils. The inward rotation of knob 410 is limited by a second bump 420 located inside housing 402. When pressure is released on knob 410, spring 424 returns to its unextended state. pushes the shaft 412 proximally and rotates the knob 410 outwards until the bump 450 hits the inside of the housing 402.

[0076] Figure 4D is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of an applicator similar to the applicator of Figure 4A, where similar numbers represent similar parts described in relation to Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C. The applicator of Figure 4D has a body with a button 510 on the opposite side to that of the applicator 400 of Figure 4A. The button 510 is located on the concave surface of the body, whereas the button 410 is located on the convex surface of the body. The operation of the applicator 500 is similar to that of the applicator 400, except for the location of the button 510 (actuator 510). In [Fig.4D], the button 510 includes a pivot 528 which is located proximally or towards the proximal end of the shaft 412 and the shaft housing 406. The handle 510 includes an angled cam surface 532 which is located eccentrically away from the pivot 528 to provide a lever action.The cam surface 532 is in contact with the rounded end cap 416 of the shaft 412. Therefore, when pushed inward, the button 510 rotates about the pivot 528, and the cam surface 532 comes into contact with the rounded cap 416 at the proximal end of the shaft 412 at an angle, thus applying a vertical force component when the handle 510 rotates inward, which moves the shaft 412 distally to separate the coils of the spring 424 from a first closed coil configuration to a second open coil configuration to release items of the spring 424.

[0077] In one embodiment, the applicators 100, 200, 400 and 500 offer an ergonomic applicator shape with ergonomic features conducive to facilitating the application of cosmetic fibers and eyelash configurations on the eye and areas around the eyes and eyebrows, for example.

[0078] In one embodiment, the application of fibers and eyelashes uses an adhesive, a magnetic element, a magnetic cosmetic formulation, an adhesive mascara (adhesive with color), or the like.

[0079] In one embodiment, the applicators 100, 200, 400 and 500 provide a first locking and holding configuration as well as a second open or unlocked configuration to first engage the eyelashes, held in interstitial spaces between the clamping discs, spring coils or retaining elements, and release the false eyelashes when they are in position to apply them to natural eyelashes.

[0080] Applicators 100, 200, 400 and 500 include a specialized tip at the end of the spring-loaded applicator configured to complete or fix gestures for handling and placing partial or complete false eyelashes, or individual fibers.

[0081] Applicators 100, 200, 400 and 500 include mechanical or electromechanical to twist or rotate the spring mechanically (by a hand assembly or motor) or electrically (electric motor) during application.

[0082] In one embodiment, the applicators 100, 200 comprise a (round) disc having an asymmetrical geometry (for example, one curved side which, viewed from above, would resemble a crescent moon) for additional functionality. In one embodiment, the symmetrical shape can rotate in any direction about an axis of rotation.

[0083] In one embodiment, the 100, 200, 400 and 500 applicators are configured to allow a user to extend or retract the applicator tip for a range of gesture options.

[0084] In one embodiment, the applicators 100, 200, 400 and 500 are configured to allow a user to position the applicator tip orbitally or angularly for a range of applications.

[0085] In one embodiment, the applicators 100, 200, 400 and 500 have contact surfaces (spring or discs) with a coating to repel the formulation, adhesives, etc., and also to hold or otherwise slightly modify the surface properties inherent to the spring alloy, such as self-cleaning properties from hydrophobicity (“Lotus Effect”), slippery porous surfaces impregnated with liquid (“SLIPS”), oxidized surfaces, surfactants, films, hydrophobic / oleophobic, hydrophilic / oleophilic.

[0086] In one embodiment, the applicators 100, 200, 400, and 500 include a gripping function at one end (spring or discs) and a clamping function at the other end. Gripping the false eyelashes helps the user position them, and then a side / clamping function presses these eyelashes into an adhesive glue or mascara, thus finalizing the appearance and placement.

[0087] In one embodiment, the applicators 100, 200, 400 and 500 are configured to easily grasp / retrieve fibers, manipulate them into the best application position and apply them to the eyelashes (with or without adhesive).

[0088] In one embodiment, during operation, the eyelash is "locked" onto the discs or the spring when the button is released in the first configuration, allowing for easy and smooth positioning, and the eyelashes are released when the button is pressed in the second configuration.

[0089] In one embodiment, the applicators 100, 200, 400 and 500 include surface materials or coatings that are cleanable, washable, disinfectable, etc. The disc surfaces, for example, are made of plastics that resist the stickiness of the formulations and are also made of antimicrobial or antibacterial materials, for example.

[0090] In one embodiment, the components of the applicators 100, 200, 400, and 500 are made of plastic (e.g., PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), or similar), other suitable polymers, durable materials, additively manufactured materials, metals common to cosmetic packaging, or similar materials. In one embodiment, the springs are typically made of metal spring material, stainless steel, plastic, high-density polymers, a pivot or tensioned part, or are made from durable / renewable materials.

[0091] In one embodiment, the 100, 200, 400, and 500 applicators are designed to be durable and reusable across numerous applications. The applicators enhance the user's dexterity and ability to place very fine and complex fibers and shapes (eyelashes) on / over natural eyelashes and around the eye area. In one embodiment, the applicators allow the user to passively hold the eyelashes (the eyelashes are gripped by a mechanism) for placement on the eye. In another embodiment, the applicators function to hold the fibers and eyelashes without pressure being applied by the user. In yet another embodiment, the applicators are operational for manipulating full and partial eyelashes and have multiple functions on the platform.

[0092] One embodiment is an applicator 100, 200, comprising a clip retainer 108, 208 having a disc 114, 214 fixed to a shaft 112, 212; an actuator 110, 210 functionally coupled to the clip retainer; a disc retainer element 118, 218 fixed to a shaft housing 106, 206, where the shaft passes through the shaft housing; and a spring 124, 224 which forces the disc against at least a portion of the disc retainer element in a first configuration, where the actuator is configured to counterbalance the spring and move the disc from the disc retainer element in a second configuration.

[0093] In one embodiment, the tree 112, 212 moves linearly within the tree housing 106, 206.

[0094] In one embodiment, the applicator 100 further includes a housing 102 to which a proximal end of the shaft housing 106 is fixed; a cam 126 to which a proximal end of the shaft 112 is fixed; the actuator 110 is fixed to the housing by means of a pivot 128, and the actuator has a hook surface 132 on which the cam is allowed to rotate when pivoting the actuator.

[0095] In one embodiment, the applicator 100 includes an actuator 110 with a hook 132 on one side of the pivot and a surface protruding on the outside of the housing, where the cam rests on the hook.

[0096] In one embodiment, the disk 114, 214 is placed orthogonally with respect to the shaft 112, 212, and the disk retaining element 118, 218 is placed ortho- gonally in relation to tree housing 106, 206.

[0097] In one embodiment, a proximal end of the spring 124 rests on the cam 126, and the distal end of the spring is fixed.

[0098] In one embodiment, the applicator 100, 200 includes a disc 114, 214 having a flat surface 302 on the bottom of which rests the upper surface 304 of the disc retaining element 118, 218.

[0099] In one embodiment, the applicator 100, 200 includes a disc retaining element 118, 218 which has a recessed surface facing a lower surface 302 of the disc 114, 214 and a hole passing through a center of the recessed surface through which the shaft passes.

[0100] In one embodiment, the applicator 100, 200 comprises a disc 114, 214 having a flat surface 302 around the periphery, the flat surface facing the recessed surface, and the disc retaining element 118, 218 has a flat surface 304 at the periphery of the recessed surface on which the flat surface of the disc rests.

[0101] In one embodiment, the applicator 100, 200 comprises a disc 114, 214 having an inner bent surface 308 around the periphery, and the disc retaining element 118, 218 has an outer bent surface 310 at the periphery of the recessed surface on which the inner bent surface of the disc rests.

[0102] In one embodiment, the applicator 100, 200 comprises a disc 114, 214 having an outer angled surface 314 around the periphery, and the disc retaining element 118, 218 has an inner angled surface 316 at the periphery of the recessed surface on which the outer angled surface of the disc rests.

[0103] In one embodiment, the applicator 100, 200 includes a compression spring which contracts in length under load.

[0104] In one embodiment, the applicator 200 includes the spring 224 placed coaxially with the rod 212 within a cavity 230 at a proximal end of the shaft housing 206.

[0105] In one embodiment, the applicator 200 has an actuator comprising a plunger 210 fixed to a proximal end of the rod 212, and one end of the spring 224 rests against a lip of the cavity 230, and the opposite end of the spring rests against one end of the plunger.

[0106] In one embodiment, an applicator 400, 500, comprises: a shaft housing 406 having a distal end and a proximal end; a shaft 412 having a distal end and a proximal end, the shaft passing through the shaft housing; a helical expansion spring 424 having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the spring being attached to the distal end of the shaft, and the proximal end of the spring being attached to the distal end of the shaft. shaft housing, the spring coil comprises adjacent coils pressing against each other; and an actuator 410 is configured to counterbalance the spring to separate the coils.

[0107] In one embodiment, the applicator 400, 500 includes a shaft 412 which moves linearly within the shaft housing 406.

[0108] In one embodiment, the applicator 400, 500 further includes: a housing 402, 502 to which a proximal end of the shaft housing is fixed; in which the actuator has a button 410, 510 fixed to the housing via a pivot 428, 528 and the button has a cam surface 432, 532 in contact with the proximal end of the shaft, in which pivoting the button inwards into the housing pushes the shaft to counterbalance the spring 424.

[0109] In one embodiment, the applicator 400, 500 has the proximal end of the rounded rod 416, and the rounded end of the shaft slides against the cam surface 432, 532 on the button when the button pivots inwards.

[0110] In one embodiment, the applicator 400 includes the button 410 having a first bump 420 inside the housing 402 to limit the range of pivoting inwards into the housing and a second bump 450 on the button to prevent the button from rotating outwards out of the housing.

[0111] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Applicator (100, 200, 400, 500), comprising: a lash retainer (108, 208) having a disc (114, 214) fixed to a shaft (112, 212); an actuator (110, 210, 410, 510) functionally coupled to the lash retainer (108, 208); a disc retainer element (118, 218) fixed to a shaft housing (106, 206), in which the shaft (112, 212) passes through the shaft housing (106, 206); and a spring (124, 224, 424) which forces the disc (114, 214) against at least a portion of the disc retainer (118, 218) in a first configuration, in which the actuator (110, 210, 410, 510) is configured to counterbalance the spring (124, 224, 424) and move the disc (114, 214) from the disc retainer (118, 218) in a second configuration; the applicator (100, 200, 400, 500) further comprising: a housing (102, 402, 502) to which a proximal end of the shaft housing is fixed;a cam (126) to which a proximal end of the shaft is fixed; the actuator (110, 210, 410, 510) is fixed to the housing by means of a pivot, and the actuator has a surface on which the cam (126) can rotate when the actuator (110, 210, 410, 510) pivots.

2. Applicator (100, 200, 400, 500) according to claim 1, wherein the shaft (112, 212) moves linearly within the shaft housing (106, 206).

3. Applicator (100, 200, 400, 500) according to claim 1, wherein the disc (114, 214) is placed orthogonally with respect to the shaft (112, 212), and the disc retaining element (118, 218) is placed orthogonally with respect to the shaft housing (106, 206).

4. Applicator (100, 200, 400, 500) according to claim 1, wherein a proximal end of the spring (124, 224, 424) rests on the cam and the distal end of the spring is fixed.

5. Applicator (100, 200, 400, 500) according to claim 1, comprising a disc (114, 214) having a flat surface on the bottom of which rests the upper surface of the disc retaining element (118, 218).

6. Applicator (100, 200, 400, 500) according to claim 1, comprising a disc retaining element (118, 218) having a surface carved opposite towards a low surface of the disc and a hole passing through a center of the carved surface crossed by the tree.

7. Applicator (100, 200, 400, 500) according to claim 6, comprising a disc (114, 214) having a flat surface (302) around the periphery, the flat surface (302) being directed towards the recessed surface, and the disc retaining element (118, 218) has a flat surface at the periphery of the recessed surface on which the flat surface (302) of the disc rests.

8. Applicator (100, 200, 400, 500) according to claim 6, comprising a disc (114, 214) having an inner angled surface (308) around the periphery, and the disc retaining element (118, 218) has an outer angled surface (310) at the periphery of the recessed surface on which the inner angled surface (308) of the disc rests.

9. Applicator (100, 200, 400, 500) according to claim 6, comprising a disc (114, 214) having an outer angled surface (314) around the periphery, and the disc retaining element (118, 218) has an inner angled surface (316) at the periphery of the recessed surface on which the outer angled surface (314) of the disc rests.

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